Ceramic and Porcelain: Understanding the Type of Tiles for Malaysian Homes and Businesses
Published on: Apr 18, 2025

Ceramic and Porcelain: Understanding the Type of Tiles for Malaysian Homes and Businesses

In the Malaysian interior and construction industry, there are many types of tiles to choose from, including ceramic tile, porcelain tiles, marble tiles, quarry tiles, cement tile, mosaic tile, and glass tiles. Among them, ceramic and porcelain tiles are leading choices for both residential and commercial spaces. Known for their durability, versatility, and aesthetic appeal, these two tile types form the core of countless design projects. If you’re looking to understand the real differences, benefits, and ideal uses of ceramic and porcelain tiles, this comprehensive blog post is for you.

What Are Ceramic Tiles?

Ceramic tile is crafted from natural clay and other materials, then fired in a kiln at a lower temperature compared to porcelain. This process makes ceramic slightly more porous, but still ideal for many indoor applications.

Benefits of Ceramic Tile:

  • Cost-effective compared to porcelain
  •  Wide variety of shapes, colours, and textures
  • Excellent for wall applications and low traffic areas
  • Easy to cut and install
  • Good stain resistance when properly sealed
  • Enhances aesthetic appeal in living spaces

Best Used In:

  • Bathrooms, kitchen backsplashes, accent walls, and low traffic floor tiles

Maintenance:

  • Requires regular maintenance and occasional resealing, especially in wet areas
  • Clean with mild cleaners to avoid stains and preserve timeless beauty

What Are Porcelain Tiles?

Porcelain tiles are also made from clay, but are denser and fired at higher temperatures. This results in low porosity, making them more water resistant and extremely durable—perfect for high traffic areas.

Benefits of Porcelain Tile:

  • Highly durable and stain resistant
  • Suitable for both flooring and wall applications
  • Can imitate the look of natural stone tiles, wood, or cement tile
  • Ideal for commercial spaces, bathrooms, and outdoor areas due to its weather resistance
  • Adds natural finish to your dream home

Best Used In:

  • High traffic areas, kitchens, patios, malls, and corporate interiors

Maintenance:

  • Requires minimal regular maintenance
  • Does not need sealing unless polished

Comparison: Ceramic and Porcelain Tile Types

Here’s a quick comparison of these two different types of tiles:

Ceramic Tile and Porcelain Tile

Durability:

  • Ceramic: Moderate
  • Porcelain: Extremely durable

Water Resistance:

  • Ceramic: Moderate (requires sealing)
  • Porcelain: Highly water resistant

Ideal Areas:

  • Ceramic: Low traffic areas, walls
  • Porcelain: High traffic areas, flooring, outdoors

Cost:

  • Ceramic: More affordable
  • Porcelain: Typically more expensive

Installation:

  • Ceramic: Easier to cut and install
  • Porcelain: Requires professional handling

Appearance:

  • Ceramic: Colorful, diverse tile types
  • Porcelain: Sleek, mimics natural stone, wood, or concrete

Other Tile Types to Know

While ceramic and porcelain dominate the market today, here are other tile types commonly used:

  • Marble tiles: Luxurious, elegant, but require sealing

  • Quarry tiles: Naturally durable, great for high-moisture areas

  • Cement tile: Bold patterns, porous, needs sealing

  • Mosaic tile: Small tiles with artistic designs

  • Glass tiles: Shiny, modern, mostly for walls

  • Granite tile, travertine tile, stone tiles: Durable, natural stone options with timeless beauty

  • Terracotta tiles: Rustic charm, but porous

  • Metal tiles: Sleek, contemporary aesthetic

  • Polyvinyl chloride (PVC): Budget-friendly, not as durable

Each has unique properties in terms of durability, textures, materials, and maintenance needs.

Making the Right Choice

Whether you’re updating your bathroom, revamping a living room, or planning a new commercial space, understanding the different types of tiles and their properties helps ensure you choose the right solution. From elegant marble tiles to practical ceramic tile options, the choices are vast.

Partner with a trusted supplier like Kimgres, known for high quality, innovative design, and a wide range of tiles suited for every application.

Choose tiles that match your lifestyle, space, and vision—because every tile tells a story.

Final Thoughts: Elevate Your Space with the Right Type of Tiles

Whether you’re updating your bathroom, revamping a living room, or planning a new commercial space, understanding the different types of tiles and their properties helps ensure you choose the right solution. From elegant marble tiles to practical ceramic tile options, the choices are vast.

Partner with a trusted supplier like Kimgres, known for high quality, innovative design, and a wide range of tiles suited for every application.

Choose tiles that match your lifestyle, space, and vision—because every tile tells a story.